House Chairman Will Offer First Immigration Bills

WASHINGTON (AP) - The chairman of the House Judiciary Committee says he will introduce the first parts of his chamber's immigration effort this week. Virginia Republican Rep. Bob Goodlatte says the measures will address farm workers and a requirement for employers to verify the immigration status of workers.

Goodlatte said rather than a huge immigration bill, the House would take a step-by-step approach. He said it was important to not rush the complicated overhaul of immigration laws, and he declined to commit to completing the process this year.

Goodlatte said he has been consulting with a bipartisan group of House members working on immigration legislation. He said he has also held private briefings for around 100 House Republicans.

The Senate has held hearings on an immigration plan by Democratic and GOP senators.

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